The Jane Austen polymer note was launched last September as an update on the old version featuring Charles Darwin.

When do the old £10 notes expire? (Picture: PA)

Around a billion of the new polymer notes featuring Jane Austen have been printed as the Bank of England tries to phase out the older paper ones.

The advantage of creating notes from a polymer film means that the note itself is more durable and harder to forge.

The new material prolongs the lifespan of the new notes to around five years, compared to the paper version of around two years.

When does the old £10 note expire?

The final day to use your old notes is 1 March, 2018.

This means that after this date they are no longer legal tender and not worth anything.

The Bank of England said the withdrawal rate is ‘broadly as expected’ ahead of the March 1 deadline, at which point the paper £10 note will cease to be legal tender – and will be replaced completely by the polymer version.

What if still have my old £10 notes after this date?

If you do still have old £10 notes after this date, don’t worry.

If you live in London they can be exchanged for shiny new polymer ones at the Bank of England.

Some banks, building societies, and post offices will allow you to deposit them if you’re an account holder, but this isn’t guaranteed so it is advisable to call ahead to see, or by popping into your local branch to check their last dates if they are participating.

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